Description
Doritos Casserole with seasoned ground beef, fire-roasted tomatoes, sour cream, and melted Monterey Jack layered over crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ pounds (680 g) lean ground beef
- 1 cup (150 g) finely diced onion, yellow onion
- ½ cup (75 g) finely diced red bell pepper
- 1 (10-ounce / 283 g) can diced tomatoes and chiles, fire-roasted recommended
- 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
- 1 (1-ounce / 28 g) packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream, full-fat preferred
- 3 cups (about 336 g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 (9.25-ounce / 262 g) bag Nacho Cheese Doritos
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (177°C) and allow it to heat fully before baking. Spray a 3-quart or 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside. Proper preheating prevents soggy casserole base and ensures even baking.
- Step 2: Cook Ground Beef: Place 1½ pounds (680 g) of lean ground beef into a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the beef, breaking it apart continuously, until no pink remains (about 5-7 minutes). Drain off excess grease to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Step 3: Add Vegetables and Seasoning: Add 1 cup (150 g) finely diced onion and ½ cup (75 g) finely diced red bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3 minutes until softened. Then stir in 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth, 1 (10-ounce/283 g) can diced tomatoes and chiles, 1 (1-ounce/28 g) packet taco seasoning, and 1 cup (240 ml) full-fat sour cream. Simmer the mixture for 2-3 minutes, stirring until it thickens slightly but does not become overly thick.
- Step 4: Prepare Doritos: Without opening the bag, crush the Nacho Cheese Doritos lightly to create pieces that retain some crunch.
- Step 5: Layer Casserole: In the prepared baking dish, spread half of the crushed Doritos evenly on the bottom. Sprinkle half of the 3 cups (336 g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the chips to create a sturdy base.
- Step 6: Add Meat Mixture: Evenly spread the meat mixture over the cheese layer, ensuring the filling is distributed well for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Step 7: Top with Doritos and Cheese: Layer the remaining crushed Doritos evenly over the meat mixture. Then sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly on top.
- Step 8: Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This traps steam and heats the casserole through without drying the edges.
- Step 9: Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake an additional 3-5 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Step 10: Cool Before Serving: Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This cooling step helps the casserole set so slices hold together when served.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Room Temperature: Store cooled casserole in an airtight container away from direct sunlight for up to 2 days. Refrigeration: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat portions thoroughly before serving. Freezing: Wrap casserole tightly with plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Expert Tips: Drain excess grease thoroughly after browning beef to prevent sogginess. If casserole looks dry after baking, add 1/4 cup beef broth on top, cover with foil, and bake an additional 5 minutes. To avoid Doritos over-browning, cover dish with foil about 15 minutes into baking. Spread meat mixture evenly to prevent uneven layers and ensure consistent cooking. If cheese does not fully melt, set oven to broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Reheating Instructions: Heat individual portions thoroughly in a microwave or oven before serving.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with creamy coleslaw or roasted corn salad for complementary flavors. Add fresh guacamole or a simple taco salad to add crunch and freshness. Top with salsa verde, homemade pico de gallo, fresh cilantro, or a drizzle of sour cream for brightness.
- Recipe Variations: Substitute ground turkey or a vegetarian protein for beef for dietary flexibility. Use sharp cheddar cheese in place of Monterey Jack for a stronger cheese flavor.
- Ingredient Notes: Choose 80/20 lean ground beef for ideal flavor and moisture balance without excess fat. Select fire-roasted canned diced tomatoes without added sugar or preservatives for best taste. Use fresh bags of Nacho Cheese Doritos for optimal crunch; stale chips will not hold up as well. Opt for full-fat sour cream to maintain creamy texture; low-fat options may alter the consistency. Grate fresh cheese rather than using pre-shredded to avoid anti-caking agents that affect melting. Select yellow onions for their sweetness and dice finely for even cooking.
- Nutrition Facts: calories: Not provided; sugar: Not provided; sodium: Not provided; fat: Not provided; saturated_fat: Not provided; unsaturated_fat: Not provided; trans_fat: Not provided; carbohydrates: Not provided; fiber: Not provided; protein: Not provided; cholesterol: Not provided.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Not provided
- Sugar: Not provided
- Sodium: Not provided
- Fat: Not provided
- Saturated Fat: Not provided
- Unsaturated Fat: Not provided
- Trans Fat: Not provided
- Carbohydrates: Not provided
- Fiber: Not provided
- Protein: Not provided
- Cholesterol: Not provided